Fastball finds a second wind as nostalgia fuels new popularity
6/3/2026
Fastball, the alt-rock trio that helped define late-1990s radio, is enjoying an unexpected comeback, and co-founder Tony Scalzo says the band is embracing every minute of it.
“We are excited about getting this new vibe. It’s like we’re in a renaissance, more than we were 15 years ago when nobody wanted anything to do with us,” he admits. “Our tour with Barenaked Ladies and Sugar Ray changed that.”
Fastball formed in 1994 with Scalzo, Miles Zuniga and Joey Shuffield. By 1998, the band’s popularity had exploded with hits including “Out of My Head” and “This Way.” The group earned a Grammy nomination and a No. 1 song on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Over the past 30 years, Fastball has released nine studio albums while continuing to tour on and off — a rare feat for a band that has weathered the ups and downs of the music industry.
“A lot of bands break up. But the primary reason we have stayed together is that we love each other,” he explains. “We got together when all three of us were seasoned. We were in our late 20s and had been around the block a few times when we met.”
Fastball’s hit records elevated the band’s popularity.
“It was challenging, but we made it through alive,” he reflects. “We never got into drug addiction or anything, so we are lucky with that aspect.”
Even when the spotlight dimmed, Fastball kept recording music and touring, choosing longevity over chasing trends.
“Maybe we never really got too big to fail,” he reflects. “When you get really famous, that is a problem for a lot of people.”
Scalzo said he had wanted to be a rock star since he was a teenager, and he is still amazed his plan worked out.
“It’s a surprise because we know the odds are stacked against anyone. You have to have the element of timing, talent, maturity and perseverance. If you do not have all those elements in place, you are probably not going to make it very far.”
Several of the band’s songs have been featured in movies and television shows. Scalzo recalled hearing one of his songs in a grocery store when his children were young.
“They yelled, ‘Daddy, yeah it’s you!’ It’s surreal when you hear your song playing on the radio,” he recalls. “I was in the gym recently, and my song played. Everyone turned to look at me.”
When he is not touring, Scalzo spends time writing songs that are meaningful to him.
“I have a stockpile of songs. Not every piece will see the light of day. I have no other motive and only make songs I like, not just because someone else wants it. It probably sounds corny, but I do it for the joy of music.”
Fastball recognizes the music industry’s shift toward singles rather than full-length albums. The band recently released a cover of Justin Bieber’s “Let Me Love You” on its YouTube channel.
This summer, the band is touring on its own and with Barenaked Ladies and Sugar Ray. Members are also discussing opening for Lawrence.
“They said we are one of their favorite bands, and they want their favorite band to open for them,” Scalzo says. “It makes sense for us, since they are a young, good band.”
Scalzo believes concerts and live music remain strong despite growing conversations about artificial intelligence.
“I think a lot of people will try to tell everyone that AI is going to take over,” he reflects. “It is all just a bunch of lame, pointless propaganda for no one. For all of the great master musicians that we idolized to this day, there are upcoming kids who can blow them away.”
He is appreciative of the wide range of fans who attend the band’s concerts.
“Thank you very much for coming out. We hope to see some new people,” Scalzo says. “We have got new stuff coming out, too, as well as song that might make it into the supermarket or gym.”
Fastball will perform a free concert at the Des Moines Arts Festival on June 27 at 7 p.m. on the main stage. Other concerts are scheduled during the festival from June 26-28. More information is available at Des Moines Arts Festival. ♦
